David Allison

Three people have been arrested after a suspected arson attack in which lit fireworks were pushed through the door of a flat.

The incident happened at a flat in Pallion’s Garfield Street, which is part of Murtha’s fish and chip shop, in St Luke’s Terrace, shortly after 10pm on Wednesday.

I don’t think there’s been much damage but it really could have been a lot worse.

Garfield Street resident

A number of fireworks were set alight and put through the door of the flat, causing minor damage.

Although no-one was hurt, minor damage was caused in the attack, which detectives are treating as arson.

Two men, aged 27 and 25, and a 26-year-old woman have since been arrested in connection with the incident, and are being questioned by officers.

Those living close by spoke of their shock at what happened.

A 36-year-old woman who lives in one of the seven terraced homes in Garfield Street, just yards from the flat, told the Echo: “I was out in Sunderland city centre on Wednesday, but the taxi driver who brought me back home said the flat had been fire bombed earlier on.

“The police were here until about 4am when I got back.

“I don’t think there’s been much damage but it really could have been a lot worse.”

No-one from Murtha’s was prepared to comment about the incident.

Northumbria Police say that extra patrols will now be in the area to carry out inquiries into the attack and offer reassurance to residents.

Witnesses or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Pallion area shortly after 10pm on Wednesday, should call police on 101 extension 69191, quoting reference number 1291 12/08/15 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.